The Evolution of HinduismThe roots of Hinduism are diverse, and yet have given life to two other religions: Jainism and Buddhism.

Percentage of Hindus in World Today

Indus Valley Roots of Hinduism:1. altars for sacrifice and ceremoniesTraditional Flower Offering at a lingam, Varanasi

Indus Valley Roots of Hinduism2.ritual bathing-center of city was open-air pool temple run by priestsGreat Bath, Mohenjodaro Bathing in the Ganges (modern Hinduism)

Indus Valley Roots of Hinduism:

3.goddess worshipLord of Creatures??Supreme Yogi??Shiva??

Indus Valley Roots of Hinduism:

4. concern for social order: -where lived based on occupation

Reconstruction of Mohenjo-Daro

1500 BCE 600 BCE

Aryan Roots of Hinduism:1. cattle worship-herdsmen :. valued cattle-socio-economic status based on cattle-sacrifices to gods (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, grain)

Jaisalmer:Desert Temple in the heart of Thar Desert

Aryan Roots of Hinduism:2. Vedic gods(devas)-worshiped through rituals and sacrificesBrahma, Siva, Vishnu(Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebid)

Aryan Roots of Hinduism:3. The Vedas(knowledge)-instructions on how to support, enliven, and nourish the Vedic godsThe Vedas

Aryan Roots of Hinduism:4. Mantras-sacred utterances of utmost importance to ritualOmThe sound of the universe

Aryan Roots of Hinduism:5. Sanskrit-ancient language of India

Aryan -> Erin -> Irannaus -> nautical -> navigationdeva -> divineSanskrit alphabet

Aryan Roots of Hinduism:6. There is a cosmic order to the universe.(rita)-maintained through ritual

Aryan Roots of Hinduism:7. creator god(Brahma)-spiritual core of:templetowncountryuniverseall devasBrahmaGodWhere did I come from?

Aryan Roots of Hinduism:8. Atman(the transcendental essence of human life) the soulBrahma = AtmanIf Brahma is not a god, what exactly is Brahma?!What is the nature of the universe?

What is the nature of god and my existence?mokshamayasamsarathe release from the human condition that prevents the union between Brahma and Atmanthe illusionary condition of everyday existencethe cycle of birth and death that makes up our physical existence(Hindu idea of reincarnation as it is written in the Upanishads)

What am I supposed to do here?dharma

one's righteous duty or virtuous path

To answer the question:Live a life that promises worldly joys and heavenly happiness. a.k.a Do the right thing!But what IS the right thing?!Just follow your dharma and obey the Vedas

Aryan Roots of Hinduism:9. Caste socio-economic class system-adhere to the social expectations, and cultural and religious obligations of your role in societyLakshmi: (caste goddess)Goddess of wealth and successHow do I know what my dharma is?

Aryan Roots of Hinduism: 9.Brahmins priests-the gatekeepers to Vedic rituals-knew mantras and ceremonies-were the spiritual philosophers and guidesBrahmin priests (today) practicing ancient Vedic ritualsHow and why should I obey the Vedas?!

Aryan Roots of Hinduism:10.Upanishads-priests started to ponder the purpose and meaning of the Vedas-through spiritual philosophy, they introduced new concepts

Oh wait, I get it! Its like good vs. evil!karma

the ongoing influence of past actions on the future

Vedic priests explained the reason for following ones obligations to his or her dharma and the sacred texts as karma. NO! Karma is not about what is good vs bad. It is about what is right vs wrong according to your position in society and the Vedic teachings.

What is karma?!Good Karma:Swedish FishBad Karma:Sour Patch Kids

Bhagavad GitaKrishnaArjunaVishnu-Hindu hero-great warrior-friend and brother-in-law to Krishna-a god-child -a prankster -a divine hero -maintainer or preserver

Wait why should I bother following my dharma and the sacred texts?!According to the Vedic priests, it is the only way to break the cycle of samara (reincarnation).It is the only way to have ones atman reunite with Brahma.

Can there be any other way to attain moksha?Actually, we believe there is!The Ascetic Roots of Hinduism 1. Shramanas spiritual rebels during the time the Upanishads were being written-ascetics: practiced celibacy, poverty, fasting, exposing the body to hardships in an attempt to achieve mokshaWandering Hindu ascetic.Modern day sadhu, ascetics that practice yoga

shramanasjnanaseekers or strivers who seek the inner Atman through meditation rather than ritual sacrificesknowledge

Shramanas felt that jnana was more important than karma(knowledge more important than action)

cultivate detachment from the material world through ascetic practicesUsually sadhus live by themselves, on the fringes of society, and spend their days in devotion to their chosen deity.Ommmmmmm

The Ascetic Roots of Hinduism2. Yogauniongoal of yoga:To become one with ones Atman Yoga poses

YogaRestraint: nonviolence, speaking truth, no stealing, celibacy, lack of greedDiscipline: cleanliness, serenity, devotion to godPosture: controlled, comfortable firm yoga posesBreath Control: mind can be controlled by breathWithdrawal of the Five Senses: as yogini enters into deeper awareness, witness loss of five senses as mind retreats into the body

YogaConcentration: as yogini enters deeper awareness, mind becomes increasingly focused and concentratedMeditation: uninterrupted flow of awarenessAbsorption/Union: awareness of self and surroundings has vanishedthen attain perfect consciousnessthere is nothing left to reflect in the mind.The mind has been released!

The Jainist Root of Hinduism1. Mahavira teacher and religious leader-lived at the same time as the Buddha-was an Indian king who renounced his throne and all worldly possessions (including his clothes) to become an ascetic-said he achieved complete freedom from worldly desires after 12 years of strict austere practice-rejected the Vedas as an infallible authority in developing ones own view of reality

MahaviraOne ascetic is said to have achieved true knowledge of the universe through ascetic practice. His teachings became the foundation of a new religion, Jainism.

The Jainist Root of Hinduism2. AscetismActs of self-discipline, self-deprivation, and self-denial as a means of purifying the selfJain monk wearing mask. Jain nun displaying broom.

The Jainist Root of Hinduism3. ahimsathe moral principle of respect for life- non-injury; nonviolence

nonviolencevegetarianism The hand with a wheel on the palm symbolizes the Jain Vow of Ahimsa

The Jainist Root of Hinduism4. sacred cowSpiritual lore has it that because Jains refused to eat meat and spread vegetarianism, cows were permitted to wander free without fear of slaughter or sacrifice Sacred cow in Calcutta (photo taken during WWII)

"Friendship to all living forms,

delight in the qualities of the virtuous ones,

unlimited compassion for all suffering beings,

equanimity toward all who wish me harm,

may my soul have these dispositions now and forever."

-- Jain prayer

Jainist Nonviolence

Synthesis and Review1. What is meant by the term democracy in religion?2. Why is Hinduism not really a polytheistic religion?3. What is the ultimate spiritual goal that unites all Hindus?

period of deathperiod of birthperiod of life(collection of karma)period of deathperiod of birthperiod of life(collection of karma)

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